Audi's New Era: Binotto Leads Amid Industry Support

Binotto steps up at Audi, backed by industry giants Bravi, Vasseur, and Mekies, signaling a transformative era.

Audi has recently made significant cuts at the top, with CEO Andreas Seidl and Chief Representative Oliver Hoffman dismissed abruptly.

At the same time, Mattia Binotto, the former Ferrari team principal, has been brought in. His mandate is to oversee Sauber’s transition to Audi as Chief Operating Officer and Technical Director.

Thus, there is a sense of uncertainty, if not instability, at Hinwil. This raises some questions about the sustainability of Audi’s Formula 1 project.

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, the Sauber team representative, felt compelled to clarify the situation in the Spa paddock, providing insights into the timeline and future organisational structure of the team.

“It is clear that Mattia is the team principal and that forming the leadership team will be part of his remit. I don’t believe this is tied to one individual. Mattia will start on August 1st. He will have time to assess if the current management team and the entire organisational structure are what’s needed to elevate our group to the expected level in F1,” stated Bravi.

“Mattia has the full backing of everyone at Audi, myself included, to quickly integrate and fully understand the current Sauber team and what, in our view, might be beneficial for the next steps.”

History in F1 has shown… it’s not advantageous for a manufacturer, a major brand, to become too deeply involved in an F1 team’s operations, as exemplified by Mercedes F1’s success story.

But are Audi’s actions cause for concern, according to Alessandro Alunni Bravi?

“We have stated that, following the complete takeover of the Sauber group, there was a realignment of the control structure. The objectives are clear: to define responsibilities and make the decision-making process more effective. And I think the fact that Mattia will be the clear leader… we have clear leadership, with Mattia reporting directly to Gernot Döllner (Audi’s CEO). This is a significant sign of this new process which will help us further accelerate this transformation process.”

“I would therefore say that this is not a new dynamic, but the correct dynamic that we need to fulfill all the tasks and meet all the challenges that lie ahead.”

Vasseur and Mekies Respond to Audi’s Internal Shake-Up

Fred Vasseur, former Sauber boss and now at the helm of a team with its own engine manufacturing capabilities, shares his thoughts on the Sauber/Audi situation. Is he concerned? What are his views on the arrival of his Ferrari predecessor at Hinwil?

“I’m focused on my team, my guys, and I’m fully aware of the challenges involved in running a Formula 1 team—not just in Switzerland, but everywhere. Mattia did a splendid job at Ferrari previously; he succeeded, the team succeeded, and I wish them all the best. However, it’s not for me to comment on Mattia and Audi’s potential.”

Laurent Mekies, who also worked closely with Mattia Binotto at Ferrari, expresses his full confidence in him.

“In terms of capabilities, there’s no doubt that Mattia has everything required to succeed there and possibly elsewhere too. I believe they’re going to be even stronger competitors in the near future.”